Modder Releases Prototype Files for Sleeping Dogs After 15 Years

Some narrative choices were made at the very last moment.

Some gamers still remember Sleeping Dogs to this day. This Grand Theft Auto-style game offered an engaging story about an undercover police officer in a Hong Kong setting, alongside spectacular hand-to-hand combat utilizing the environment. However, the project never received a sequel, and the subsequently developed MMO game Triad Wars was canceled.

Recently, the creator of the YouTube channel GrandTheftAero showcased an early build of Sleeping Dogs. It dates back to November 2011, meaning it was created nine months before the game’s release. The files were obtained from a special developer kit console version.

Certain assets and textures were not yet finalized at that time, and placeholders were sometimes used in place of cutscenes. The script and content within missions also differed significantly in places. For example, in the 18th mission, players pursued a character named Naz, whereas in the early build, the chase is conducted after Ming (in the final version of the game, he is written out of the story much earlier).

Missions also featured bonus objectives, the completion of which could grant a bonus to police or Triad experience. This feature was not included in the release version.

Gamers remember not only Sleeping Dogs, but Triad Wars as well—a fan project called the Triad Wars Revived Project exists. Modders are working on a fully functional MMO server emulator and are restoring gameplay mechanics. The main game systems are already operational: players can log in, drive vehicles, and the stores, raid systems, protection rackets, and inventory systems work.